ERV(i)
2 For in many things we all stumble. If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.
3 Now if we put the horses’ bridles into their mouths, that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also.
4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so great, and are driven by rough winds, are yet turned about by a very small rudder, whither the impulse of the steersman willeth.
5 So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire: the world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the wheel of nature, and is set on fire by hell.
7 For every kind of beasts and birds, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed by mankind:
8 but the tongue can no man tame; [it is] a restless evil, [it is] full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the likeness of God:
10 out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth the fountain send forth from the same opening sweet [water] and bitter?
12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? neither [can] salt water yield sweet.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? let him shew by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.